On January 24, Apple commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Mac with a "Happy birthday, Mac" promotion on its website, 30th anniversary t-shirts for its employees, and executive interviews with both ABC News and Macworld. Just ten days later, the company now has released an anniversary video, recorded on the anniversary using iPhones and edited on Macs, that shows how the the promise of the Mac has been fulfilled by putting "technology in the hands of the people."

Produced by Apple's longtime ad agency TBWA\Chiat\Day headed by Lee Clow, the "1.24.14" video includes footage from 10 countries spanning 5 continents. The video was directed by Jake Scott, son of filmmaker Ridley Scott, who was behind Apple's iconic "1984" ad, and showcases current generation Apple products being used in fashion design, musical performances and more.

Quote:

On January 24, 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh. And with it a promise that the power of technology, put in the hands of everyone, could change the world. On January 24, 2014, we sent 15 camera crews all over the world to show how that promise has become a reality.

From sunrise in Melbourne to nightfall in Los Angeles, they documented people doing amazing things with Apple products. They shot over 70 hours of footage -- all with the iPhone 5s. Then it was edited and scored with an original soundtrack. Thanks to the power of the Mac and the innovations it has inspired, an effort that normally takes months was accomplished in a matter of days.

Apple was rumored to be working on a Super Bowl commercial, but the company instead partnered with U2 and Bank of America in a new (Product) RED promotion announced in an advertisement broadcast during the game. For every free iTunes download of U2's new single "Invisible" [iTunes Store], Bank of America will donate $1 to (Product) RED's fight against AIDS. The promotion will end 11:59 PM EST on February 3.

Update: Apple has posted a second video giving a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the "1.24.14" ad.

To actually step back from this commercial, and to individually assess what each person is doing with their apple devices here is mind blowing.

These are all marvellous tasks ranging from Motion control to design photography, all accessible and made to be used by people who are sparked by interest and passion, and not necessarily technically skilled in coding or software or whatever, but can still make magic happen.

This was Apples mission, and they have succeeded.

This is company who wanted to make something happen, change the way we interact with technology; and it did.

It's the first time I see dots. That's not a regional option for USA in computers.

Maybe in some movie trailer

It is not the first time that I have seen dots used in a date. Now, let's get back to the commercial.

I don't get exercised about commercials one way or another. My purchases are based on how well a product satisfies my needs. However, this Apple commercial is touching me at a level that I have rarely experienced.

Congratulations to all involved in producing it. Congratulations to Apple for 30 years of Macintosh.

__________________
Neither a borrower nor a lender be
For loan oft loses both itself and friend
William Shakespeare from Hamlet

To actually step back from this commercial, and to individually assess what each person is doing with their apple devices here is mind blowing.

These are all marvellous tasks ranging from Motion control to design photography, all accessible and made to be used by people who are sparked by interest and passion, and not necessarily technically skilled in coding or software or whatever, but can still make magic happen.

This was Apples mission, and they have succeeded.

This is company who wanted to make something happen, change the way we interact with technology; and it did.